STLPWebsite/BUSINESS-RULES.md

# Business Rules & Pricing Policies

This document defines the business rules and pricing policies for Starting Line Productions LLC.

## Rental Operations

### Operating Hours

| Day | Status | Rental Hours |
|------|---------|---------------|
| Monday | Open | 9 AM - 7 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 9 AM - 7 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 9 AM - 7 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 9 AM - 7 PM |
| Friday | Open | 9 AM - 7 PM |
| Saturday | Open | 9 AM - 7 PM |
| Sunday | **Closed** | No rentals |

**Total Rental Hours:** 10 hours per day
**First Rental:** 9:00 AM sharp
**Last Rental:** Must start by 7:00 PM

### Minimum Rental

**Minimum Booking:** 1 hour
- All bookings must be for at least 1 hour
- No partial hour bookings
- Additional time billed in 1-hour increments

## Pricing Structure

### Standard Hourly Rates

Equipment and areas are billed at their posted hourly rate.

**Examples:**
- CNC Mill: $75/hour
- EE Garage (workbench): $20/hour
- Dirty Fabrication (outside space): $25/hour
- Clean Fabrication (full): $65/hour

### Package Discounts

#### Half-Day Package
- **Discount:** 5% off hourly rate
- **Duration:** 4-5 hours
- **Minimum:** 4 hours
- **Availability:** Most equipment and areas
- **EXCEPTIONS:** Dirty Fabrication outside space (see below)

#### Full-Day Package
- **Discount:** 10% off hourly rate
- **Duration:** Full 10-hour day
- **Minimum:** 8 hours (full-day discount applies)
- **Availability:** Most equipment and areas
- **EXCEPTIONS:** Dirty Fabrication outside space (see below)

**Time Blocks:**
- Morning Half-Day: 9 AM - 2 PM (5 hours)
- Afternoon Half-Day: 2 PM - 7 PM (5 hours)
- Full-Day: 9 AM - 7 PM (10 hours)

**Calculation:**
```
Standard: 4 hours × $75/hour = $300
Half-Day: 4 hours × $75/hour × 0.95 = $285
Savings: $15
```

### Special Packages

#### Clean Fabrication Space & Tools Only

**Rate:** $50.00/hour
**Includes:**
- Access to Clean Fabrication area (upstairs)
- All hand tools and basic equipment
- Workbench and workspace
- Standard tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
- Measuring tools (calipers, rulers, etc.)
- Clamps and vises

**Excludes:**
- Consumables (adhesives, fasteners, etc.)
- Materials (must bring your own)
- Specialty tools (power tools, precision equipment)
- Supplies (cleaning, lubricants, etc.)
- Test equipment (if applicable to clean fabrication)

**Ideal For:**
- Assembly projects
- Precision work needing clean environment
- Projects requiring basic tools only
- Testing and verification
- Small-scale fabrication

**Comparison:**
```
Standard Clean Fabrication: $65/hour (includes supplies/materials)
Space & Tools Only: $50/hour (excludes supplies/materials)
Savings: $15/hour (23% discount)
```

## Area Rentals

### Dirty Fabrication (Outside Space)

**Rate:** $25.00/hour
**Includes:**
- Access to outside dirty fabrication area (backyard)
- Fabrication tables and workspaces
- **ALL TOOLS from garage and shed** (see Dirty Fabrication area page for inventory)
- Covered workspace (canopy)
- Basic welding stations (2)
- Hand tools, cutting tools, measuring tools
- Clamps, vises, workholding equipment
- Power tools (cordless and wired)
- Grinding and finishing tools
- Band saw, drill press (when available)
- All standard fabrication tools

**Excludes:**
- CNC equipment (requires separate booking)
- Specialty equipment requiring training
- Premium tools (labeled separately)
- Consumables (welding rods, cutting discs, grinding discs, etc.)
- Materials (metal, stock, fasteners, etc.)
- Personal protective equipment (bring your own or rent)

**Important:**
- **NO HALF-DAY DISCOUNTS** on outside dirty fabrication space
- **NO FULL-DAY DISCOUNTS** on outside dirty fabrication space
- Standard hourly rate applies for all time blocks
- Member discounts still apply (10%, 15%, or 20%)
- Tools must be cleaned and returned after use
- Report any broken tools immediately

**Ideal For:**
- Welding and metal fabrication (full tool access)
- Large-scale projects requiring outdoor space
- Projects needing variety of tools
- General fabrication and assembly
- Metalworking with standard equipment
- Temporary storage of materials
- Any dirty fabrication work

**Pricing Examples:**
```
1 Hour: $25
4 Hours: $100 (no half-day discount)
8 Hours: $200 (no full-day discount)
Full Day (10 hours): $250 (no full-day discount)
```

**With Membership Discounts:**
```
Standard Member (5% off): $25 × 10 × 0.95 = $237.50
Professional Member (10% off): $25 × 10 × 0.90 = $225
Enterprise Member (20% off): $25 × 10 × 0.80 = $200
```

### Other Area Rentals

| Area | Hourly Rate | Half-Day (5hrs) | Full-Day (10hrs) | Notes |
|-------|-------------|----------------|------------------|-------|
| EE Garage (workbench) | $20/hr | $76 (5% off) | $140 (10% off) | Discounts available |
| Dirty Fabrication (outside space) | $25/hr | **$125 (no discount)** | **$250 (no discount)** | **NO DISCOUNTS** |
| Clean Fabrication (full) | $65/hr | $244.25 (5% off) | $448.75 (10% off) | Discounts available |
| Clean Fabrication (space only) | $50/hr | $190 (5% off) | $350 (10% off) | Discounts available |
| Kitchen | $45/hr | $171.25 (5% off) | $315 (10% off) | Discounts available |

**Note on Dirty Fabrication Space:**
- Outside backyard space: $25/hour, NO package discounts
- Dirty fabrication with equipment (garage/shed): Separate pricing, discounts may apply
- See individual equipment pages for garage/shed equipment pricing

## Booking Policies

### Time Slots

**Standard Time Slots:**
- 1-hour increments
- Can combine for longer rentals
- Must start on or after 9:00 AM
- Must start by 7:00 PM (last rental start time)

**Time Slot Examples:**
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (1 hour)
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (4 hours - half-day package)
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (10 hours - full-day package)
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (3 hours - standard rate)

### Advance Booking

**Minimum Lead Time:** 2 hours
- Bookings made less than 2 hours in advance require approval
- Same-day bookings subject to availability

**Recommended Lead Time:**
- Equipment: 24-48 hours advance notice
- Areas: 2-4 hours advance notice
- Packages (half/full day): 24 hours advance notice

### Payment Terms

**Payment Due:** At time of booking
- Full payment required to confirm reservation
- Credit card, PayPal, or cash accepted
- Reservations not confirmed until payment received

**Refund Policy:**
- Cancellations 24+ hours: Full refund
- Cancellations 12-24 hours: 50% refund
- Cancellations <12 hours: No refund
- Weather-related cancellations: Full refund

## Membership Benefits

### Standard Members
- Access to all standard rates
- Booking during business hours
- Basic support

**Package Discount:** 5% on all packages (where available)
- Half-Day: 10% discount (5% member + 5% package)
- Full-Day: 15% discount (5% member + 10% package)

**Important:** Member discounts apply to dirty fabrication outside space, but package discounts do NOT apply.

### Professional Members ($299/month)
- **10% discount** on all hourly rates
- **15% discount** on half-day packages (10% member + 5% package)
- **20% discount** on full-day packages (10% member + 10% package)
- Priority booking (24-hour advance)
- Extended hours access (by arrangement)
- Equipment training included

**Example Pricing (Professional Member):**
```
CNC Mill - Standard: $75/hour
CNC Mill - Member Rate: $67.50/hour (10% off)

Half-Day - Standard: 5% off
Half-Day - Professional: 15% off (10% + 5%)
4 hours × $67.50 × 0.85 = $229.50
Standard Half-Day: $285
Savings: $55.50

Full-Day - Standard: 10% off
Full-Day - Professional: 20% off (10% + 10%)
10 hours × $67.50 × 0.80 = $540
Standard Full-Day: $675
Savings: $135

Dirty Fabrication (Outside Space) - Professional:
10 hours × $25 × 0.90 = $225
Standard: $250 (no package discount)
Savings: $25 (member discount only)
```

### Enterprise Members ($599/month)
- **20% discount** on all hourly rates
- **25% discount** on half-day packages (20% member + 5% package)
- **30% discount** on full-day packages (20% member + 10% package)
- Priority booking (48-hour advance)
- 24/7 access (keycard)
- Dedicated project manager
- Annual safety certification included

**Example Pricing (Enterprise Member):**
```
CNC Mill - Standard: $75/hour
CNC Mill - Member Rate: $60/hour (20% off)

Half-Day - Enterprise: 25% off (20% + 5%)
4 hours × $60 × 0.75 = $180
Standard Half-Day: $285
Savings: $105

Full-Day - Enterprise: 30% off (20% + 10%)
10 hours × $60 × 0.70 = $420
Standard Full-Day: $675
Savings: $255

Dirty Fabrication (Outside Space) - Enterprise:
10 hours × $25 × 0.80 = $200
Standard: $250 (no package discount)
Savings: $50 (member discount only)
```

## Equipment-Specific Pricing

### High-End Equipment

Some equipment has minimum booking requirements:

| Equipment | Hourly Rate | Minimum Booking | Half-Day (5hrs) | Full-Day (10hrs) |
|-----------|-------------|-----------------|-------------------|-------------------|
| CNC Mill | $75/hr | 2 hours | $337.50 (5% off) | $562.50 (10% off) |
| CNC Router | $60/hr | 2 hours | $270.00 (5% off) | $450.00 (10% off) |
| CNC Lathe | $65/hr | 2 hours | $292.50 (5% off) | $487.50 (10% off) |
| Pick & Place | TBD | 4 hours | TBD | TBD |
| Reflow Oven | TBD | 2 hours | TBD | TBD |
| Laser Cutter | TBD | 2 hours | TBD | TBD |

## Additional Services

### Training & Certification

| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---------|-------|-------|
| Equipment Training | Included | Complimentary for first booking |
| Safety Orientation | Included | 45-minute overview |
| Annual Certification | Included | For Professional/Enterprise members |
| Individual Training | $50/hr | For additional or refresher training |

### Consulting Services

| Service | Rate | Notes |
|---------|-------|-------|
| Design Consultation | $85/hr | CAD/CAM assistance |
| Technical Assistance | $75/hr | Hands-on project support |
| Project Setup | $60/hr | Complete project initialization |
| Rapid Prototyping | TBD | Per project pricing |

## Special Offers & Promotions

### First-Time User Special
- **Offer:** Complimentary safety orientation and equipment training
- **Value:** Up to $200 savings
- **Requirements:** First booking only
- **Includes:** All required training for booked equipment

### Volume Discounts
- **10+ hours:** 5% additional discount
- **40+ hours (full week):** 10% additional discount
- **100+ hours (monthly):** Custom pricing

**Note:** Volume discounts stack with member discounts but NOT with package discounts (half/full day). Best discount applies.

**Important for Dirty Fabrication Outside Space:**
- Volume discounts STILL apply (e.g., 10% for 40+ hours)
- Package discounts DO NOT apply
- Member discounts APPLY
- Best discount applies (volume or member, whichever is greater)

**Example: Dirty Fabrication Outside Space (Enterprise Member, 40 hours)**
```
Standard: 40 hours × $25 = $1,000
Member Discount (20% off): $800
Volume Discount (10% off - 40+ hours): $900
Best Discount Applied: Member discount (20%)
Total: $800
Savings: $200
```

### Package Combinations

Members can combine volume + member discounts (package discounts excluded):
```
Professional Member + 40 Hours (Full Week):
- Base Rate: $75/hour
- Professional Member: 10% off = $67.50/hour
- Volume Discount (40+ hours): 10% off = $60.75/hour
- Total Discount: 19% off standard rate

40 hours × $75 × 0.81 = $2,430
Standard: $3,000
Savings: $570
```

**Dirty Fabrication Outside Space - No Package Discounts:**
```
Professional Member + 40 Hours:
- Base Rate: $25/hour
- Professional Member: 10% off = $22.50/hour
- Volume Discount (40+ hours): 10% off = $22.50/hour
- Best Discount: 10% (member = volume)

40 hours × $25 × 0.90 = $900
Standard: $1,000
Savings: $100
```

## Availability & Booking

### Real-Time Availability

Check availability by:
1. Contacting via phone: (512) 555-0123
2. Email: reservations@startinglineproductions.com
3. Online booking (coming soon)

### Peak vs Off-Peak Hours

**All hours are peak hours:** No off-peak pricing

**Peak Times:** 9 AM - 7 PM
**All rentals:** During peak times only

### Booking Process

1. **Contact Us:** Check availability and pricing
2. **Receive Quote:** Get confirmation of rates and discounts
3. **Make Payment:** Pay to confirm booking
4. **Complete Training:** First-time users complete orientation
5. **Start Rental:** Begin your project at scheduled time

## Rules & Policies

### Late Policy
- **Late arrival:** No extension of booked time (ends at scheduled time)
- **Early departure:** No refund for unused time
- **Extension requests:** Subject to availability

### Cancellation Policy
- **24+ hours notice:** Full refund
- **12-24 hours notice:** 50% refund
- **<12 hours notice:** No refund
- **Weather:** Full refund (at our discretion)

### Equipment Use
- **Damage:** User responsible for damage beyond normal wear
- **Misuse:** Additional fees for equipment misuse
- **Supplies:** Consumables billed separately (unless package included)
- **Clean-up:** Users must clean area before leaving (or pay cleaning fee)

### Safety Requirements
- **PPE:** Required for all equipment (safety glasses, etc.)
- **Training:** Required for all major equipment
- **Supervision:** First-time use may require supervision
- **Certification:** Annual certification required for returning users

## Pricing Examples

### Scenario 1: Dirty Fabrication Outside Space (Standard User)
- Area: Dirty Fabrication (outside backyard)
- Time: 4 hours (half-day)
- Rate: $25/hour
- Discount: NONE (no half-day discount for this space)
- Total: $25 × 4 = $100
- Note: No package discounts apply

### Scenario 2: Dirty Fabrication Outside Space (Professional Member)
- Area: Dirty Fabrication (outside backyard)
- Time: 10 hours (full-day)
- Rate: $25/hour
- Member Discount: 10% (Professional)
- Package Discount: NONE (no full-day discount for this space)
- Total: $25 × 10 × 0.90 = $225
- Standard Price: $250 (no package discount)
- Savings: $25 (member discount only)

### Scenario 3: Clean Fabrication Space (Standard User)
- Area: Clean Fabrication (space & tools only)
- Time: 4 hours (half-day)
- Rate: $50/hour
- Discount: 5% (half-day package)
- Total: $50 × 4 × 0.95 = $190
- Standard Rate: $200
- Savings: $10
- Includes: Space, hand tools, basic equipment
- Excludes: Supplies, materials

### Scenario 4: Full Week CNC (Enterprise Member)
- Equipment: CNC Mill
- Time: 40 hours (full week)
- Rate: $75/hour
- Member Discount: 20% (Enterprise)
- Volume Discount: 10% (40+ hours)
- Package Discount: NOT APPLICABLE (volume discount)
- Total Discount: 30% (20% member + 10% volume)
- Total: $75 × 40 × 0.70 = $2,100
- Standard Price: $3,000
- Savings: $900

### Scenario 5: Dirty Fabrication Space + CNC (Professional Member)
- Equipment: Dirty Fabrication space (outside) + CNC Mill
- Time: 8 hours
- Dirty Fabrication Space: $25 × 8 = $200 (no discount)
- CNC Mill: $75 × 8 = $600 (standard rate)
- Member Discount: 10% on CNC only
- CNC Discount: $600 × 0.90 = $540
- Total: $200 + $540 = $740
- Note: No discounts on dirty fabrication space

## Terms & Conditions

### Payment Terms
- Full payment due at time of booking
- Payment methods: Credit card, PayPal, cash
- No credit terms available
- No invoicing for bookings under $500

### Liability Waiver
- All users must sign liability waiver
- User responsible for personal injury
- User responsible for equipment damage
- Insurance recommended for commercial users

### Right to Refuse
- We reserve right to refuse service
- Safety violations may result in termination
- Equipment misuse may result in ban
- All decisions at management discretion

## Contact Information

### Reservations
- **Phone:** (512) 555-0123
- **Email:** reservations@startinglineproductions.com
- **Hours:** 8 AM - 6 PM (booking hours)

### General Inquiries
- **Phone:** (512) 555-0123
- **Email:** info@startinglineproductions.com
- **Hours:** 8 AM - 6 PM

### Technical Support
- **Email:** technical@startinglineproductions.com
- **Hours:** 8 AM - 6 PM

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**Last Updated:** January 13, 2026
**Version:** 1.1